NRHA Statement Regarding Congressional Appropriations for Rural Health in the March 8 Spending Package
NRHA enthusiastically commends lawmakers in both chambers of Congress for reaching a bicameral, bipartisan agreement that will address many critical priorities for rural health. In recent years, rural health systems have encountered some of the toughest challenges they have ever faced. More than 160 rural hospitals have closed, and over 50 percent of rural hospitals are currently operating in the red. These problems are coupled with historic workforce shortages that have compounded difficulties in recruiting and retaining providers and allied health professionals in rural areas.
For months, NRHA’s 21,000-strong health professional membership from across the 50 states has advocated for the support of programs that serve America’s rural populations such as increasing funding for Community Health Centers and National Health Service Corps programs, eliminating the proposed cuts to Disproportionate Share Hospital and physician payment, permanent allowance of Medicaid Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), and more.
We urge Congress to continue investing in rural health through the HHS FY24 Appropriations by funding critical rural programs and more. Thank you to our partners in Congress for helping to pass this important legislation. We look forward to continuing to work together to ensure the health of rural America.